I have a 2006 mini cooper S, When i turn steering wheel at very slow speed or parked, it makes a crack noise. It makes the sound even if the car is turned off. It is a creaking-type of sound coming from under hood. It happens when driving slowly and turning or turning the wheel - even a tiny bit - while the car isn't moving. ive attach pictures of strut mounts, I heard it may be this. please let know what this can be!!!

 

Yes sounds like strut mounts.

are they after market mounts?

i had a set of after market mounts that made the noise you’re describing.

a video might help. Hard to convey a sound through text...

 

It could also be the u joints or bushing/bearing on the steering column. There are a few threads you can find on the forum.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ng-column.html

 

here is the link to the video I made.

 

does sound like something in the strut assembly. Sounds like it happens when changing steering direction only. Am I hearing that right?

Is ur mini stock steering / suspension?

mine was more of a “dong” sound from the springs and a “creaking” sound from the mounts...was not stock

sounds like something is loose. Get it up on stands, wheels off, and do a visual while someone turns the steering...

 

Strut mount and or sway bar endlinks , had the same noise, when i lowered my car and didn’t replaced those two things

 

I'm going with strut mounts. My car did it a few years ago, I replaced them with parts from the dealer and the noise went away. It's back now.

I'm buying my next set from fcpeuro for the lifetime warranty.

I just replaced my front swaybar links for knocking noise going over bumps so now it's just that awful creaking noise I'll have to deal with.

 

Lordenco, did you ever fix this? My 05 has had the creaking for years and thousands of miles, not really getting worse so I ignore it, but yet slightly annoying. Don't think it's the strut mounts. Thx!